The Government of the Maldives has proposed an amendment to the Judicature Act to to disallow the Supreme Court to run trials under Suo Moto regulations.
The amendment was submitted to the Parliament of the Maldives on behalf of the government by Parliamentarian Mohamed Nihad. The amendment bill is part of the government’s pledge to reform the judiciary.
Suo Moto regulations allow the apex court to initiate proceedings and act as both prosecution and judge. The amendment bill removes this authority from the apex court.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that once the High Court requests for documents of an appeal case, the lower court must send the documents within a maximum of 14 days. The bill also includes clauses to ensure the accountability of court registrars.